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Rocker’s legacy lives on as MACC event pays tribute to The Monkees

April 19, 2013

BEAVER SPRINGS - When one thinks of a race, a slew of potential images come to mind: NASCAR, chariots, marathons, the tortoise and the hare, one-legged, etc. But a contest involving beds is not typically one's first thought.

On Thursday, a press conference was held at the Middlecreek Area Community Center, in Beaver Springs, for the upcoming Beaver Bed Race, slated to be held at 4 p.m., June 15, at Beaver Springs Dragway.

The concept of the bed race was inspired by the iconic introduction to the classic 1960s television show "The Monkees." The opening montage features lead vocalist Davy Jones resting in a bed as other members of the band, donning full nighttime regalia, push him down an active street.

Article Photos

Sentinel photo by BRADLEY KREITZERMiddlecreek Area Community Center board member Charlie Bobb, left, pushes preschool teacher Deanna Stock on a bed with wheels during a Thursday press conference in the MACC gymnasium for the Beaver Bed Race in Beaver Springs.

The Monkees former frontman, Davy Jones, was a resident of Beavertown when he passed away on Feb. 29, 2012. Cher Harpster, executive director of MACC, said Jones loved his community and was extremely supportive of the MACC. She believes the upcoming event will pay tribute to the late singer. Cloyd Wagner, mayor of Beavertown, said that Davy Jones was named honorary fundraising chairperson of the MACC.

The event hopes to raise money to fund a number of programs offered by the MACC and is open to teams from anywhere in the U.S. Harpster said teams from as far away as Connecticut and New Jersey have already registered.

Teams are to be composed of five members - one rider and four pushers, and team members must be 16 years of age or older. All team registrations must be received by June 3. There is a $100 minimum entry fee per team. Donations in excess of $100 can be collected and turned in on the day of the event to receive time deduction credit. Beds must contain one manufactured twin- or full-size mattress and a headboard and footboard.

The Davy Jones Memorial Trophy will be awarded to the team with the best overall time. The winning team will also be added to a plaque that will be displayed at the MACC year-round. In addition to the trophy and plaque, the winning team will receive a monetary award. The amount will be announced prior to the start of the race.

In addition to the race, barbecued chicken halves and Amish baked goods will be available at the dragway.